Biophotonic Studies of Mammalian Cells with Nanosecond Pulsed Power Using Quantum Dots

We report the delivery of quantum dot (QD) fluorescence probes into mammalian cells by electroporation and endocytosis. The pH sensitivity of mercaptoacetic-acid-capped CdSe/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots (MAA QDs) was investigated in both solution and living cells, demonstrating the potential of QDs as an intracellular pH sensor with long-term photostability and limited photobleaching. Further, QDs were utilized to enhance the effects of nanosecond electric pulses (nanoelectropulses) on malignant cells. Nanoelectropulse treatment is a developing technique for cancer therapy by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis) of cancer cells, while the introduction of semiconductor particles could modify the electric characterization of biological cells